Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Turkey 2016 Review

Turkey's Energy Policies in 2016

Executive Summary and Key Recommendations

• Challenges Remain: Turkey faces significant challenges in ensuring energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air quality.
• Shaping Progress: Efforts are needed to address these challenges through strategic policies and institutional reforms.
• Key Recommendations:
  • Enhance emergency response capabilities to ensure energy security.
  • Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
  • Strengthen institutional frameworks for energy and environmental policies.
  • Promote energy efficiency across various sectors.

General Energy Policy

• Country Overview: Turkey has made progress in diversifying its energy mix but still relies heavily on fossil fuels.
• Supply and Demand: Domestic production is supplemented by imports, with a focus on natural gas and coal.
• Institutions: Various institutions are involved in energy policy making, including the Turkish Electricity Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) and the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPET).
• Key Policies: Policies aim to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and enhance emergency response mechanisms.
• Assessment: The current policies are seen as inadequate in addressing long-term energy and environmental goals.
• Recommendations: Strengthening institutional frameworks and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy are recommended.

Climate Change

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing due to rising energy consumption.
• Energy-Related CO2 Emissions: The majority of emissions come from the energy sector, particularly from coal and natural gas.
• Institutions: Various institutions are involved in climate change mitigation efforts, including the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.
• Policies and Measures: Current policies focus on reducing emissions through energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy.
• Air Pollution: Air quality remains a significant issue, with high levels of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Limited efforts have been made to adapt to climate change impacts.
• Assessment: The current policies are insufficient to meet long-term climate goals.
• Recommendations: Strengthening climate policies and enhancing public awareness are recommended.

Energy Efficiency

• Final Energy Use: Turkey's energy consumption is driven primarily by industrial and residential sectors.
• Institutions: Various institutions, including the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, are responsible for energy efficiency policies.
• Policies and Measures: Policies focus on improving energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and transportation.
• Assessment: While progress has been made, more needs to be done to achieve energy efficiency targets.
• Recommendations: Enhancing energy efficiency standards and promoting renewable energy are recommended.

Conclusion

Turkey's energy policies in 2016 highlight the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. Key areas for improvement include strengthening institutional frameworks, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, and enhancing energy efficiency measures.